ThePrint ThePrintPod: Playing parai, working charkha & learning Jiu-Jitsu. Congress has a new Rahul-inspired training module
Aug 27, 2025
The podcast dives into a transformative training program by the Congress Party aimed at empowering leaders through innovative techniques. Participants learn martial arts, traditional crafts, and engage in participatory theatre to promote social justice. The unique approach combines personal development with community engagement, moving beyond typical electoral strategies. It's a fascinating blend of culture and activism that aims to reshape the political landscape while fostering meaningful connections.
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Ideological Shift In Congress Training
- Rahul Gandhi is reframing Congress's identity around social justice and empowerment of backward castes.
- Sachin Rao recast training from mechanics to ideological struggle against BJP-RSS.
Blending Electoral Skills With Symbolic Arts
- The 30-day Netrutva Sangam program mixes electoral skills with symbolic cultural practices across three legs.
- The curriculum links voter-list training with experiential arts like parai, charkha, theatre and martial arts.
Parai And Charkha As Practice
- Trainees learn to play the parai, a drum linked to Dalit resistance in Tamil Nadu, and are taught its emancipation symbolism.
- Rao says trying new practices like parai and charkha stretches participants' personal boundaries.